AMTRAK...Any Concealed Carry on trains?

[geegee]

The wife has suggested a family trip on a train, within the state of Texas. I'm all in favor of it, having had some pretty good train trips when I was younger, and also because I don't how much longer the opportunity will be available for my own kids to ride one.

But what about carrying concealed on a train? Any of you ever done so, and specifically any Texas CHL'ers? Thanks, geegee

 

[10-Ring]

I haven't been on AMTRAK in 10 years. Back then, it probably wouldn't hav been an issue. Since Sept 11th, I'd hope they screen their passengers for any possible weapons.

 

[jmbg29]

Since Sept 11th, I'd hope they screen their passengers for any possible weapons.

Like shoelaces?

 

[geegee]

Since Sept 11th, I'd hope they screen their passengers for any possible weapons

Oh, no doubt. I already feel safer when I get on an airplane, knowing that I can never carry a pocket knife again (after doing so for years, without ever thinking of trying to kill everyone on board). Maybe AMTRAK can borrow some of the TSA dim bulbs that now populate every airport to beef up security in our train stations....
or...maybe those people who have proven themselves to be law abiding, and responsible with firearms should just be allowed to travel wherever they want to (even on a train), having proven that they tend to be less of a security risk than most anti gun folks are lead to believe. :banghead: geegee

 

[sm]

http://www.amtrak.com/index.html

I did a quick search...no definitive answer. IIRC someone had a link somewhere that said NO. I can't recall if just part of the post 9/11 or not.

I traveled by train to Houston a bunch as a kid...before Amtrack. Neat memories. Be a neat experience for the kids...

These days I drive...hence the mulitlple CCW licenses.

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

jmbg29: Do you have no idea how many defenseless, unarmed people could be choked with a thin shoelace while they slept. The gall of you suggesting otherwise!

 

[El Rojo]

I wouldn't want to ride the train without my Glock. I would rather drive.

 

[voilsb]

I've been on amtrak a couple of times since sept 11, and have never been searched.

they probably have a policy against it, but if you just don't tell them about it then they won't know, because it's concealed, right?

 

[Seawolf]

I'd treat AMTRAK the way I'd treat a post office - federal property.

 

[Diesle]

I got $10 that says a simple call to Amtrak will get you the definative answer to your question....

How about you let us know after you call them.... If you call them....


Diesle

 

[Kahr carrier]

That would be the best answer call Amtrak and ask.

 

[anchored]

Several years ago, I rode Amtrak cross-country. Before I got my tix, I asked the travel agent to find out what the requirements were for taking my gun with me - whether it had to be cased and declared, etc. She called Amtrak, and told me they said "If you take your pistol, make sure you keep it with you." Apparently, stolen luggage was a bigger problem. I got an uncle mikes shoulder holster, and that was that. I don't know if it was right or not, but it worked for me.On their website, nothing in their policies or terms of transportation mention guns, but they may refuse to transport you if they think you're dangerous.

The funny part was, when I went to get the tickets, the agent was in the back of the office helping another person, so she just yelled the instructions across the office to me. Got some odd looks from everyone else there.

 

[Pilgrim]

The last time I rode on AMTRAK - last May to be exact - I read the small print on the ticket envelope. It said firearms are prohibited. However, since no laws were cited, I expect it is AMTRAK policy and if they discover you are armed they will make you get off the train.

I suppose they will station an unarmed guard to watch you to make sure you don't shoot up the train until the next scheduled stop.

Bruce

 

[Ian]

I've riden AmTrak cross-country several times in the last few years (IMO, it's the best way to go between home and school, as I don't own a car). Their policy is no guns on trains, but I've never been searched in any way. I'd suggest a recon trip to the station before you buy tickets - if they happen to be searching people, just board at the closest small (aka unmanned) station.

 

[mjustice]

I think it's their policy, and there is no corresponding federal law. I commute in and out of Penn Station in NYC. Based on what I see, I would imagine this is how most of the "screw the TSA" crowd travels these days

MJ

 

[bogie]

Well, IMHO, Amtrak is not a transportation entity - it's an amusement park for train buffs...

I'd treat it the same as Six Flags.

 

[gun-fucious]

i rode the Acela to NYC last spring from Wash DC
i carried a video camera, a digital camera, and a laptop in a backpack right on board

no searches
no metal detector

one dood had a acostic guitar hardcase

 

[Blackhawk]

Sorry to say, I don't know.

Don't know about buses operated by interstate bus companies either.

The problem is that when you plan a trip using a certain mode of public transportation, you might find yourself having to switch modes to one where carrying is prohibited.

Hope we'll end up on this thread or another one with some clues about where to get reliable and authoritative answers.

I'd hate to end up being a felon due to ignorance....

 

[Country Boy]

I haven't traveled Amtrak post-9/11, but I seriously doubt that they would have screenings at every little station along the way. I had a similar post at TFL in Oct 2000, and EOD Guy stated the following.

It is a felony to carry a firearm on an Amtrac train. The same section of the law applies on trains that applies on commercial aircraft (27CFR178.31). Firearms may be transported, but they must be declared and be in checked baggage. Even if you don't cross a state line, Amtrac is an interstate carrier. Compliance is up to your acceptance of the risks.

Another TFL Amtrak thread.

Some threads from Packing.com which I would suggest reading. Hope this helps.
http://www.packing.org/news/article.jsp/4610/
http://www.packing.org/news/article.jsp/4683/
http://www.packing.org/news/article.jsp/4777/
http://www.packing.org/news/article.jsp/4060/

 

[geegee]

Thanks for the responses. I tried calling the local AMTRAK number and after 20-25 rings with no answer, I figured it was being run like most government enterprises and hung up.

It looks like I'll plan on a car trip. geegee

 

[Ian]

Their main number is 1-800-USA-RAIL, though I'm not sure if you can get a human being through it.

 

[KMKeller]

This is getting interesting. Their current website says nothing whatsoever about firearms or weapons or guns. A search of the website returns 0 hits. This is almost conspicuous by it's absence considering the earlier website had numerous references.

 

[Blackhawk]

Thanks for the links, Country Boy.

Still not inclined to ride the train or bus....

 

[Country Boy]

I had a friend that carried regularily while riding Amtrak. He never once had a problem. Was he legal? Questionable. Did he feel better by having the option of using what he carried? Definitely.

 

[Ol' Badger]

I've carried while on a trip to S.C. in my poke bag. I was never searched. At Union Station they had a little boy (9) raped in the bathroom there. I am willing to bet that thats next. Yo'll see TSA dumb bunny's there too. Protecting us from Highjacked trains! I amost think its their plan! Make it so un-fun to travel that people just stay home. Just eat,sleep, go to work and repeat. Baah. Baah!